Compound body and a process for the production of a mechanical connection

ABSTRACT

A compound body has a first body part ( 15 ) made of glass and a mechanical connection ( 20, 60 ) which is melted on the first body part ( 15 ) and contains aluminum.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a compound body and a process for theproduction of a mechanical connection according to the preambles of theindependent claims. In particular, compound bodies and manufacturingprocesses are concerned which can be used in applications which are tobe air-tight, e.g. lamps, in particular flash bulbs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows different known compound bodies and implicitly theproduction processes thereof. FIG. 1 a shows the vacuum-tight passage ofa wire 10 through a glass wall 15. Here, the wire is preglazed asindicated by the dashed outline 16. Thereafter, it is melted into aglass tube end (FIG. 1 a) or in a glass plate (FIG. 1 b). In this case,glass and metal are chosen such that the courses of their coefficientsof thermal expansion are as similar as possible from melting point tocooling (“fully adapted”). However, if this full adaptation is notpossible, tension cracks may occur in the glass or the wire can separatefrom the glass. If for directly melting the metal into the glass themisadaptation therebetween is excessively great, the tension can becompensated for stepwise by intermediate glasses 17 a to 17 c and/or bya dome geometry 17 d, as shown in FIG. 1 c.

FIG. 1 d shows what is called a “cutting edge glassing”, FIG. 1 e shows“foil squeezing”. Here, each metal partner 11, 13 is thin enough tocompensate for the optionally occurring deformations so that nodangerous tensions occur in the glass.

FIG. 1 f shows the principle of “pressure glassing”. Wire 10 and metalplate 12 have a coefficient of expansion somewhat higher than that ofthe melting glass 15. However, no tension cracks occur in the glass part15 because following melting-in the metal 12 is shrunk onto the glass15, thus producing a compressive stress.

FIG. 1 g shows an embodiment in which a metallic cap 11 is stuck on aglass tube 15 by means of an epoxy adhesive 18.

FIG. 1 h shows the connection of two glass s 15, 14 by means of indium19.

The compound bodies shown in FIG. 1 have one or more of the followingdrawbacks:

-   -   The classical melting-in metals tungsten, molybdenum,        iron/nickel alloys, iron/cobalt/nickel alloys and copper-clad        wires are relatively expensive since they have to be drawn        without any defects and be provided with special coatings so as        to obtain a successful glass/metal connection.    -   Glasses have to be used which, e.g. as regards their strain        properties, are adapted as accurately as possible to the        melted-in metals. This limits the selection of the glass.    -   The use of intermediate glasses (FIG. 1 c) often calls for        glass-blowing handicraft and is otherwise time-consuming and        expensive.    -   The production of thin, deep-drawn parts (FIG. 1 d) or the use        of pin/sheet/pin (FIG. 1 e) is expensive.    -   Indium-containing solders (FIG. 1 h) are expensive and not        temperature-resistant.    -   Alloys made of iron/cobalt/nickel have a high specific electric        resistance.    -   Adhesions (FIG. 1 g) are not durable and water-permeable.

DE-AS 2150092 discloses a process for connecting glass or ceramics withmetals. The metal used is an aluminum-containing copper alloy having analuminum oxide-containing surface layer. The drawback of this approachis the little ductility and thus poor resistance to thermal shocks andthe insufficient connection between glass and metal resulting from thealuminum oxide.

DE-AS 2018752 discloses a process for the gas-tight connection of metaland glass surfaces. The process operates within temperature ranges belowthe melting point of the metal and forces the surfaces to be connectedagainst each other at high pressure. The drawback of this process isthat the resulting connections are insufficient and that it can only beused with rather simple geometries. There is only little resistance tothermal shocks.

DE 3827318A1 discloses a seal between ceramic and metallic articles.Here, a metallic compound sealing element having aluminum as the mainconstituent is provided with a coating consisting of another metal. Themetal is then contacted with the other components and heated above themelting point. The drawback is the elaborate production, theinsufficient deformability and the little ductility on the contactsurface, which results in a deteriorated resistance to thermal shocks.

It is the object of this invention to provide a compound body which hasa firm, durable and vacuum-tight connection resistant to thermal shocksand can be produced at a low price, and a process for the production ofa mechanical connection with which a compound body having the aboveproperties can be produced.

This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims.Dependent claims are directed to preferred embodiments of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A compound body within the meaning of this invention comprises at leastone first body part and a connection. The connection can also be made asa stopper in an opening or a tube end. The first body part is made ofglass, the connection is aluminum having a comparatively pure form. Theconnection is melted on the glass.

In its most common form, the compound body according to the invention ispreferably an integral, hollow glass body closed by the connection,preferably in a vacuum-tight fashion.

It was found that aluminum is a metal whose oxide dissolves in glasses,in particular silicate glasses, within specific temperature ranges, thusresulting in an intimate mechanical connection. This solubility of theoxides in silicate glasses is also found with other metals (Mg, Zn, Cd,In, Tl, Sn, Pb, Sb, Bi, Mn). As compared to the latter, aluminum isadvantageous because it is inexpensive even in a highly pure form, is avery good conductor for electricity and heat, is highly ductile, adheresparticularly well on silicate glasses (soft glasses, hard glasses suchas borosilicate and alumosilicate glasses, quartz glass), has a very lowvapor pressure at the melting point, is resistant to the atmosphere,adheres well on all commercial metals, is non-toxic, has a favorabletemperature processing range and can be wetted directly with softsolder.

For said reasons, it is desired to use aluminum in a rather pure form asa material for a connection to a compound body, although as compared toglasses, in particular silicate glasses, it has a comparatively highcoefficient of expansion (26·10⁻⁶/° C. for aluminum, 9·10⁻⁶/° C. forsoft glasses, 4·10⁻⁶/° C. for hard glasses, 0.5·10⁻⁶/° C. for quartzglass). It turned out that the markedly differing coefficients ofthermal expansion can largely be compensated by the ductility ofaluminum. The ductility of aluminum can only be retained at thenecessary order if aluminum is relatively pure, i.e. is virtuallyunalloyed, which can also exclude the provision of a surface coating, inparticular in the course of processing. The aluminum portion in theconnection material is preferably above 99% by weight, more preferablyabove 99.9% by weight.

It also turned out that the previous presence of aluminum oxide on thesurface of the connection material prior to processing prevents anintimate and plane contact between the aluminum of connection 20 and theglass of body part 15, so that the adhesion might be mechanically firmand possibly also gas-tight (preventing diffusion) but no longer bereliably and lastingly vacuum-tight (preventing diffusion and pressurecompensation).

According to the invention, the manufacturing process of the compoundbody is therefore such that a possible aluminum oxide layer on thealuminum of connection 20 is removed before the aluminum is contactedwith glass 15 of the body part in the connection and then the aluminum,heated above the melting point, of the compound 20 is contacted with theglass via its oxide-free surface. This is where the aluminum can reactwith the glass components, in particular by reducing SiO₂ of the glassand combining the oxygen thus released with aluminum to give Al₂O₃. Theresulting oxide can then diffuse into the glass, as mentioned above, andcontribute to an intimate connection. Optionally process parameters canbe adjusted so as to support the described kind of oxide formation andoxide diffusion. Further steps described below can be taken, whereappropriate. In particular, several or all of the above-mentionedprocessing steps can be carried out in a protective gas atmosphere or ina vacuum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the drawings individual embodiments of the inventionare described below, in which

FIGS. 1 a to 1 h show known compound bodies,

FIG. 2 shows a compound body according to a first embodiment of theinvention,

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show compound bodies having two body parts,

FIGS. 4 a to 4 c show compound bodies for increased thermal alternatingloads,

FIGS. 5 a to 5 d show compound bodies having an auxiliary body or asecond body part,

FIGS. 6 a to 6 d show a compound body whose connection is a mixture ofmaterials,

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment,

FIGS. 8 a to 8 c show an embodiment of an end portion of a tubularcompound body, and

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a gas discharge lamp or a flash bulb.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the compound body. The compound body has afirst body part 15 and a connection 20. The first body part 15 is madeof glass. It may be a glass tube, for example. At one end (not shown),it may be closed by melting. At the other end (shown), it is closed byconnection 20. Connection 20 is melted on the first body part 15. Theconnection includes aluminum. The aluminum has a purity of at least 99%by weight, preferably at least 99.9% by weight. In this respect, itpreferably has no metallic alloying elements or admixtures. Preferably,it has no surface coating when processed (e.g. as a protection fromoxidation). The connection preferably abuts against the first body part15 in a vacuum-tight fashion. The tube end which is not shown can alsobe made in a way according to the invention.

The compound body often has a vacuum-tight design. In its interior, itcan be filled with inert gas at low pressure. It may then serve as a gasdischarge tube, e.g. as a flash bulb. The flash tube can include thecompound body and, based on a small glass tube, be developed as bodypart 15. One end or both ends of the small tube can be made according tothe invention.

Applications for electron tubes are also possible.

Typical dimensions for a small glass tube shown in FIG. 2 have anoutside diameter of about 4 mm+/−3 mm, preferably 2.5 mm+/−1 mm, and alength of 20 to 30 mm. The extension of the connection in an axialdirection of the small tube may be 1.2 times the inside diameter +/−40%,preferably +/−10%.

Connection 20 is melted on the first glass body part 15. For thispurpose, the material of connection 20 is contacted, as desired, withthe first body part 15 and heated above its melting point. Having flownthe material of the connection and in particular having attached it tothe walls of the body part, the entire arrangement is cooled down again.

The process parameters are preferably adjusted such that aluminum oxideforms and can diffuse into the glass so as to form an intimateconnection. In particular, the process temperatures are chosen such thatthe aluminum of connection 20 melts while the glass of the first bodypart 15 does not yet soften. The temperature can be selected within thistemperature range with respect to the improved or optimum diffusion ofthe aluminum oxide into glass 15.

Connection 20 thus serves for connecting a first body part with a secondbody part, preferably in a vacuum-tight way, and/or for closing anopening of the first body part.

The connection is preferably produced such that the material of theconnection is placed in a solid form into the first body part area wherethe connection shall be formed subsequently. Then, the connectionmaterial is heated together with the one or the several body parts untilat least aluminum liquefies. It then enters into the above describedintimate connection with the glass. Thereafter, the compound body iscooled again, so that the connection material and in particular thealuminum turn solid again.

The connection is preferably produced in a vacuum or under protectivegas. More preferably, care is taken that the surface of the aluminum isavailable in a pure form and in particular is oxidized only to a minorextent (less than 10% of the natural passivation) or not oxidized (lessthan 0.5% of the natural passivation) before the connection is produced.Aluminum oxidizes (passivates) in the presence of oxygen and theresulting oxide layer may be too thick to permit the above describeddiffusion mechanism. In the case of pure aluminum on the surface of theconnection material, this aluminum contacts the glass, in particularsilicate glass, in a liquid form, reduces the oxides thereof and, as aresult, oxidizes itself so that the resulting aluminum oxide can diffuseinto the glass.

If protective gas is used, this protective gas can be a gas with whichthe resulting compound body shall be filled. In particular, theprotective gas may include xenon.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show embodiments in which the resulting compound bodyhas two body parts 15 and 10. 15 is the first body part made of glass,10 is a second body part, in this case made of metal, e.g. a wire, whichmay serve as an electrode. In principle, any metal can be selected forthe wire, in particular copper. FIG. 3 a shows a compound body in whichthe first body part 15 is a small glass tube (having dimensions asmentioned above, for example) while FIG. 3 b shows a compound body inwhich the first body part 15 is a glass plate. Connection 20 can be madeor produced as described above.

FIGS. 4 a to 4 c show embodiments for increased thermal alternatingloads. They are suited for thermal alternating loads of up to 150° C.when the produced article is used. Each embodiment of FIGS. 4 a to 4 chas a reinforcement and/or rounded edges 15 a in the areas in which thefirst glass body part 15 contacts connection 20. Preferably, when anopening is closed according to FIGS. 4 a and 4 c, diameter b of the edgereinforcement can be larger than diameter d of the opening to be closed.FIG. 4 b shows the case in which a metallic pin or a wire forms a secondbody part 10 of the compound body. FIG. 4 c shows an electrode 41 whichin the small tube interior is melted on the connection 20. Electrode 41may be a sintered body. 42 refers to a solder, preferably a soft solder,which partially or fully covers the outside of connection 20. As shown,the soft solder may protrude beyond the tube end downwardly. Theconnection can protrude beyond the tube end downwardly or be flushtherewith or, as shown in FIG. 1 or 4 c, may remain behind it.

FIGS. 5 a to 5 d show embodiments which are suited for high thermalalternating loads when the compound body is operated. Here, auxiliarybodies 51, 52 or second body parts 55 are used by way of exampletogether with compound 20 composed as described above to close anopening, the auxiliary bodies 51, 52 or the second body part 55 having acoefficient of thermal expansion which is less than that of aluminum andpreferably is approximately the same as that of the first body part 15(deviation less than 50%). The auxiliary body 51, 52 is then placed intoor over the opening to be closed of the first body part 15.Subsequently, a connection 20 is again made between the first body part15 and auxiliary body 51, 52 or the second body part 55. Auxiliary body51, 52 or the second body part 55 can previously be coated with a metal56, in particular aluminum, or the compound material. This coating canbe carried out in a way equal to the production of the inventivecompound between connection and body part according to the invention, asdescribed. Auxiliary body 51, 52 or the second body part 55 may consistof glass or a material the same as that of the first body part 15 andcan have a coefficient of thermal expansion which is equal to or lessthan the latter. Even in the case of elevated temperature differencesduring the operation only minor tensions result on account of thecomparatively small dimensions of the connection cross-sections. Saidtensions can be compensated for by the ductility of aluminum. FIG. 5 bshows an embodiment in which on the inside of the auxiliary body 52 ametallic component 53 is mounted. It can be contacted externally viaconnection 20 since connection 20 extends from the inside to the outsideof the first body part. FIG. 5 c shows an embodiment in which a secondbody part 55 is threaded into the opening where it is connectedintimately via connection 20 with the first body part 15. The protrudingpart of the second body part 55 can be used to attach thereto a cable58, optionally by means of a clamp or clip 57 or via a soldering (notshown) Another electrode 54 is mounted on the inside of the second bodypart 55.

FIG. 5 d shows an embodiment in which the opening of the first body part15, here a glass tube having preferably the dimensions as describedabove, is occupied substantially by a second body part 59 which canserve directly as an electrode. The second body part 59 may be ametallic sintered body which can be porous. On its side facing the tubeopening (in FIG. 5 d below) the sintered body is fully coated withaluminum or aluminum alloy 20. The coefficient of expansion of thesecond body part 59 is smaller than that of aluminum. The second bodypart 59 is mechanically held, sealed and contacted electrically by thealuminum layer 20 at the end of the glass tube.

The aluminum serving as a connection 20 preferably protrudes from thecut face of the tube. In FIG. 5 d, connection 20 thus protrudes fartherdownwards than the lowermost edge of the glass tube. Connection 20 canbe designed such that it does not only cover the inside wall 15 a of thefirst body part 15 but also the front face 5 b. In this case, thealuminum or connection 20 does not have to cover the second body part 59over its entire extension into the tube. Starting from the open end, theconnection 20 can cover it e.g. by less than half the extension into thetube, preferably less than one third of this extension.

In this embodiment, connection layer 20 may be comparatively thin sincein the area of the opening of tube 15 it shall only close the poroussecond body part 59 in a vacuum-tight fashion. The mechanical stabilityof the structure is ensured by the stable second body part 59 itselfwhich substantially supports connection layer 20. Connection 20 can alsoserve as an electrical contact for the second body part 59.

FIGS. 6 a to 6 d show embodiments in which the connection comprisesaluminum, on the one hand, and a filler 60, on the other hand. Inconnection with this embodiment, statements on the aluminum content ofthe connection have to be regarded as based on the metallic portion ofthe connection, i.e. without taking into account the filler. The filleris chosen such that it has a coefficient of thermal expansion which isless than that of aluminum. In particular, filler 60 can be chosen suchthat it has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is approximatelyequal to that of the first body part 15. It may also be less than thisone. It may be glass grains or fine glass powder. Thus, the mixture ofaluminum and filler has a coefficient of thermal expansion approachingthat of the first body part 15. Thus, this embodiment is also suited forhigh thermal alternating loads during the operation. If a glass powderhaving a comparatively low coefficient of thermal expansion (e.g. quartzglass) is used as a filler, the adjustment of the mixing ratio betweenfiller and aluminum serves for achieving a coefficient of thermalexpansion which is very close to that of the first body part 15 if thelatter has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is between that ofaluminum and that of the filler (e.g. borosilicate glasses). Aluminumcan be mixed with the filler in a way equal to the production of theinventive connection between connection and body part, as described,i.e. in particular by freeing an oxide layer from aluminum before thefiller is admixed.

FIG. 6 a shows an embodiment in which one end of the small tube 15 isclosed with connection 20, 60. FIG. 6 b shows an embodiment in which awire 10 (as second body part) is placed into connection 20, 60 fromoutside. An electrode 61 is melted into connection 20, 60 from within.Electrode 61 may have select materials, as required, e.g. tungsten.Optionally the wire can also be connected through (integrally). FIGS. 6c and 6 d show embodiments in which electrodes 62, 63 are only on theinside of connection 20, 60 for certain purposes. They are melted intoconnection 20, 60 and protrude inwardly therefrom. 62 is a metallicelectrode having a certain geometry, 63 is a sintered body. The mixtureconnection 20, 60 can also be used for the embodiment of FIG. 5 d.

Filler 60 can be glass powder, glass particles, glass grains or fineglass powder and/or another grainy or powdery/grainy material, e.g.tungsten and/or molybdenum. The basic material is aluminum, preferablywith the above-mentioned purity.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment. The first body part 15 is a small tube,one end of which is closed with connection 20 (optionally with filler60). Connection 20, 60 can have variations of material on the insideand/or outside. An embodiment is shown in which on the outside ofconnection 20, 60 a solder layer 71 is applied. This layer may be atin-lead solder, for example. The layer can be applied subsequentlyafter forming connection 20, 60. It is then usually a discrete,distinguishable layer. On the inside, a layer 72 serving as a cathode isshown. It may include cesium and/or barium and/or the oxides thereof.Layer 72 can be applied subsequently or be molten on and is then alsodiscrete and can be distinguished from connection 20, 60. However, itcan also be alloyed into connection 20, 60. This can be done e.g. asfollows: When the connection is formed, it is not only the solidconnection material 20, 60 that is introduced into the small tube priorto melting but also the material of cathode 72. When connection 20, 60is melted, the electrode material melts as well, so that diffusion andthus mixing occurs between electrode material and connection material.This is effected mainly at a distance from the contact surface betweenconnection 20, 60 and body part 15.

The connection can have a metallic coating on its outside, which has inparticular one or more of the elements tin, silver, copper, zinc,cadmium, lead or having alloys of one or more of these elements. Thecoating can be provided in particular to render the outsidesoft-solderable.

FIGS. 8 a to 8 c also show embodiments particularly suited for highthermal alternating loads. The compound body is substantially a glasstube 15 having optional main dimensions, as mentioned above. The focallength of the flash bulb (width between the electrodes) can cover arange of 12, preferably 17 mm and/or be less than 30, preferably lessthan 25 mm. The glass tube has a free area 82, where theelectro-physical processes which cause the luminous effect substantiallytake place. The free area 82 thus extends substantially over the focallength of the glass tube and can optionally also include the electrodelengths fully or partially. Glass tube 15 also has a closure area 81where the glass tube is closed in vacuum-tight fashion by connection 29,60. Even though FIG. 8 a only shows one end of the glass tube, the otherend can be developed in the same way.

In closure area 81 of the glass tube, at least in some parts, thecross-sectional shape may differ from the free area 82. In particular,the cross-section may be flattened. A cross-section (according to FIG. 8b) can be such that a cross-sectional dimension DV is at most 1 mm,preferably at most 0.3 mm, more preferably at most 0.1 mm. Theflattening can be such that said cross-sectional dimension DV is no morethan 30 μm or even no more than 10 μm. As a result, the volume to befilled with connection 20, 60 becomes comparatively small so thatthermal expansions are also less noticeable. The second body part 59 canbe attached or electrically connected as described with reference toFIG. 4 c, 5 d or 6 b. The second body part 59 is substantially in thefree area 82 of tube 15. Connection 20, 60 occupies preferablycompletely the remaining residual volume in the closure area, inparticular up to the tube end, so that connection 20, 60 can also servefor the external electric coupling.

Dimension DV of the connection in the closure area 81 may be less than10%, preferably less than 3%, more preferably less than 1%, ofcross-sectional dimension DK through the entire body at the same site.

FIG. 8 c shows another cross-section through the design of FIG. 8 a. Thesection of FIG. 8 c extends perpendicularly through the plane ofprojection of FIG. 8 a and perpendicularly to the section of FIG. 8 b.In this cutting plane, the width of connection BV is wider than theinside diameter DI of tube 15 in the free area 82. If such an embodimentis chosen together with that according to FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, thethinning of the connection can easily be achieved by flattening the endregion of tube 15 together with connection 20, 60.

Quite generally, a compound body according to one of FIGS. 8 a to 8 ccan be obtained by a mechanical deformation of the compound body afterinserting connection 20, 60. For example, the structure can be heatedabove the softening point of the glass of tube 15, followed byflattening. Then, embodiments according to FIGS. 8 b and 8 c areobtained.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment. Here, closure areas 81 a and 81 b canbe made in the same way on both ends of glass tube 15. FIG. 9 shows anembodiment where the closed ends are bent. The longitudinal axis 93 ofglass tube 15 encloses with axis (or in the case of bent embodiments ofthe tangent at the end of the tube) 94 a or 94 b an angle μ which mayrange from 45 to 135°, preferably 80 to 100°. μ may substantially be aright angle. Closure area 81 a can be designed—but does not have tobe—as described by means of FIGS. 8 a-c.

Connection 20, 60 preferably occupies the tube up to the free endthereof (in the figure below) so that it can serve as an electricconnection. The electrode inside the glass tube 15 can be coupledelectrically and mechanically as described with reference to FIG. 5 d or6 d. Electrodes 59 a and 59 b can be designed as metallic sinteredbodies (according to FIG. 5 d or 6 d).

The bent regions 96 preferably have a cross-sectional shape as shown inFIG. 8 b, dimension DV is within the plane of projection of FIG. 9,dimension BV extends perpendicularly to the plane of projection.

The length of bent regions 96 a and 96 b is preferably such that thestraight region 97 of tube 15 has a height H above the pc board 98 sothat a reflector 95 fits thereunder and may optionally also have alateral extension (beyond the plane of projection).

By the structure shown in FIG. 9 the compound body designed as a meansof lighting, in particular a gas discharge tube or flash bulb, can bemounted directly on a pc board 98. The means of lighting is thusdesigned as an SMD (surface mounted device). Similarly to FIG. 4 c orFIG. 7 the front faces may have a solder layer (e.g. tin-lead solder).The bend can be carried out even if e.g. a cross-sectional shapeaccording to FIG. 8 b is established. Here, it is possible to proceedsuch that a bend is first effected slowly and then the flattening ismade. If the flattening is made by squeezing the end of tube 15,connection material 20, 60 may be forced out of the free end. Thismaterial can be removed or be distributed over the front face of thetube end.

The characteristics described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8 can becombined with one another. The invention is particularly suited formolded bodies forming part of a gas discharge tube, an electron tube ora means of lighting. In the case of gas discharge tubes, flash bulbsshould be mentioned particularly. They are usually small tubes filledwith an inert gas and closed in a vacuum-tight fashion. They include twoelectrodes each having to penetrate the glass housing wall in avacuum-tight fashion. In this connection, it is pointed out that, inparticular without a second body part (as shown in FIG. 3), connection20, 60 may serve quite generally as an electrode on the inside and/or asan electric connection on the outside (see FIGS. 2, 4 a, 6 a andothers). The electric conductivity of aluminum is high enough for anelectric connection to be effected with sufficiently small losses fromthe inside to the outside through connection 20, 60 as such. Additionalelectrodes 10 are selected optionally in accordance with furtheraspects.

1. A flash lamp comprising a composite body, the composite bodycomprising: a first tubular body part made of glass and having a firstopening at a first end thereof, and a metallic connection part at thefirst opening at the first end of the tubular body part, wherein: themetallic connection part is melted onto an inner surface of the firstopening at the first end of the first tubular body part, the metallicconnection part contains aluminium, and the first opening of the firsttubular body part is closed by the metallic connection part.
 2. Thecomposite body according to claim 1 further comprising: a second bodypart made of metal or glass, the metallic connection part connecting thefirst tubular part and the second body part.
 3. The composite bodyaccording to claim 2, wherein the second body part is a cylindricalglass body at least partially coated with aluminium, wherein a firstportion of the cylindrical glass body is inserted in the first openingof the first tubular body part and a second portion of the cylindricalglass body protrudes therefrom.
 4. The composite body according to claim1 or 2, wherein the first tubular body part includes rounded edges wherethe first tubular body part contacts the metallic connection part. 5.The composite body according to claim 1, wherein the first tubular bodypart includes material reinforcements where the first tubular body partcontacts the metallic connection part.
 6. The composite body accordingto claim 1, wherein the first opening accommodates an auxiliary partconsisting of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient that issmaller than that of aluminium, the auxiliary part being connected tothe first tubular body part by the metallic connection part.
 7. Thecomposite body according to claim 1, wherein the first openingaccommodates as an inner electrode constructed from a metallic materialhaving a thermal expansion coefficient that is smaller than that ofaluminium, the inner electrode being connected to the first tubular bodypart by the metallic connection part.
 8. The composite body according toclaim 7 further comprising: a first surface portion of the innerelectrode that protrudes into an interior of the composite body and asecond surface portion of the inner electrode that protrudes distallyfrom the composite body and that is at least partially surrounded by themetallic connection part.
 9. The composite body according to claim 1,wherein the metallic connection part includes a grained filler, apowdery filler, or a combination thereof, the filler having a thermalexpansion coefficient that is smaller than that of aluminium.
 10. Thecomposite material according to claim 9, wherein the filler is selectedfrom a group consisting of quartz glass powder, tungsten, molybdenum,tungsten oxides, and molybdenum oxides.
 11. The composite body accordingto claim 1, wherein the composite body is an air-tight housing or avacuum-tight housing, the housing enclosing a volume.
 12. The compositebody according to claim 11 further comprising: an electrode positionedinside the volume of the housing that is electrically connected to themetallic connection part.
 13. The composite body according to claim 12,wherein the electrode is physically coupled to the housing by themetallic connection part.
 14. The composite body according to claim 11further comprising: a metallic wire that extends between the volumeenclosed by the housing and an exterior of the housing.
 15. Thecomposite body according to claim 1, wherein the glass is selected froma group consisting of oxidic glass, hard glass, and quartz glass. 16.The composite body according to claim 1, wherein the glass comprisingthe first tubular body part is characterized by a softening pointtemperature that is greater than a melting point temperature associatedwith the metallic connection part.
 17. The composite body according toclaim 1, wherein the metallic connection part further includes a metalselected from a group consisting of copper, nickel, tantalum, tungsten,molybdenum, and combinations thereof.
 18. The composite body accordingto claim 1, wherein the first tubular body part encloses a volume. 19.The composite body according to claim 18, wherein a surface of themetallic connection part within the volume of the first tubular bodypart includes a layer constructed from caesium, barium, caesium oxides,barium oxides, and combinations thereof.
 20. The composite bodyaccording to claim 18, wherein a surface of the metallic connection partthat is outside the first tubular body part includes a solder layer. 21.The composite body according to claim 1, wherein a metallic portionconstructed from molybdenum or tungsten extends from the volume of thefirst tubular body part and through the metallic connection part to aportion that is external to the first tubular body part.
 22. Thecomposite body according to claim 1, wherein the metallic connectionpart is constructed from an aluminium alloy containing at least 90weight percent of aluminium.
 23. The composite body according to claim1, wherein the metallic connection part contains at least 98 weightpercent of aluminium.
 24. The composite body according to claim 22 or23, wherein the aluminium alloy includes silicon, magnesium, manganese,calcium, or a combination thereof.
 25. The composite body according toclaim 1, wherein an outer surface of the metallic connection partincludes a coating constructed from a metal selected from a groupconsisting of tin, silver, copper, zinc, cadmium, lead, alloys of thesame, and combinations thereof.
 26. The composite body according toclaim 1, wherein the first tubular body part includes a free end that isopposite the first end, the first end of the first tubular body parthaving a first cross-sectional shape and the free end of the firsttubular body having a second cross-section shape.
 27. The composite bodyaccording to claim 26, wherein the first cross-sectional shape includesa metallic section corresponding to the metallic connection part andhaving a length and a width, wherein the width of the metallic sectionis at most 1 mm.
 28. The composite body according to claim 27, whereinthe second cross-sectional shape includes an opening having a length anda width, and wherein the length of the metallic section is greater thanthe length of the opening.
 29. The composite body according to claim 28,wherein the first end of the first tubular body part is formed in a bentmanner.
 30. The composite body according to claim 28, wherein the firstend of the first tubular body part is formed in a bent manner and themetallic connection part provides an outer electrical connection. 31.The composite body according to 27, wherein the first end of the firsttubular body part is formed in a bent manner.
 32. The composite bodyaccording to claim 27, wherein the first end of the first tubular bodypart is formed in a bent manner and the metallic connection partprovides an outer electrical connection.
 33. The composite bodyaccording to claim 27, wherein the width of the metallic section is atmost 0.3 mm.
 34. The composite body according to claim 27, wherein thewidth of the metallic section is at most 0.1 mm.
 35. The composite bodyaccording to claim 26 or 27, wherein the first cross-sectional shareincludes a metallic section corresponding to the metallic connectionpart and having a length and a width, and wherein the width of themetallic section comprises at most 10% of a width of the firstcross-sectional shape.
 36. The composite body according to claim 28,wherein the second cross-sectional shape includes an opening having alength and a width, and wherein the length of the metallic section isgreater than the length of the opening.
 37. The composite body accordingto claim 35, wherein the first end of the first tubular body part isformed in a bent manner.
 38. The composite body according to claim 35,wherein the first end of the first tubular body part is formed in a bentmanner and the metallic connection part provides an outer electricalconnection.
 39. The composite body according to claim 35, wherein thewidth of the metallic section is at most 3% of the width of the firstcross-sectional shape.
 40. The composite body according to claim 35,wherein the width of the metallic section is at most 1% of the width ofthe first cross-sectional shape.
 41. The composite body according toclaim 1, wherein the first end of the first tubular body part is formedin a bent manner.
 42. The composite body according to claim 41, whereinthe bending comprises an angle (μ) ranging between about 45° and about135°.
 43. The composite body according to claim 41 or 42, wherein themetallic connection part provides an outer electrical connection. 44.The composite body according to claim 41, wherein μ ranges between about80° and about 100°.
 45. The composite body according to claim 41 or 42,wherein the metallic connection part provides a solderable connection.46. The composite body according to claim 1, wherein the metallicconnection part is devoid of an antioxidant.
 47. The composite bodyaccording to claim 1, wherein the aluminium comprising the metallicconnection part has a purity of at least 99 weight percent.